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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
4,016 comments Add your comment
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
2:20 am
funny how some things don’t come across as good in print huh?
Tom O'Hawke
August 13th, 2010
2:21 am
The real question is can a team with a lineup consisting of Prado, Infante, Heyward, McCann, Hinske, Glaus, Gonzalez, and Ankiel make the playoffs?
The other side of that coin would be; Can starting pitching of Hudson, JJ, Hanson etc., with a bulllpen that’s among the best in baseball, possibly miss the playoffs????
haggardeeee
August 13th, 2010
2:21 am
Bay Area Steve
Most of the time folks attempt to camouflage that word. I didn’t think the censors would stand behind its’ use.
Sophee
August 13th, 2010
2:22 am
Philly trolls, BAS. Doin’ a little investigating.
N8
August 13th, 2010
2:22 am
“I can’t think of a playoff contender with a worse lineup than that.”
Yet since the all-star break, the Braves lead the league in the prescious HR statistic. Keeping in mind that the Conrad/Infante combo has 3 HR since the break and Chipper had 4. Not to mention that Prado will be back (though not sure how “back” he’ll be). Add in that Agon has 3 HR since the trade in 25 games, and Escobar had ZERO in 75 games before the trade. Ironically, here are the stats for both Escobar and Gonzalez since the trade:
Escobar: 3 HR, 10 RBI, .304/.344/.447/.792
Gonzalez: 3 HR, 10 RBI, .256/.320/.433/.756
This team got to where they are with pitching, defense and some timely hitting. Not much has changed with the pitching. In fact, JJJ is pretty much back and I expect Minor to provide a reasonable impersonation of what Medlen was doing.
The names have changed, but this team should be able to continue what it’s done to this point. Is it enough to WIN (or get to) the WS? Probably not.
But a rotation topped by Hudson, JJJ and Hanson in the post-season is pretty frickin’ deadly if you ask me. Bullpen is good enough to cause favorable matchups in the post-season. And there is enough good hitters (and a GREAT bench), to provide big hits in the playoffs.
I like our chances and that’s all I’ve ever asked for. Not sure I’d lay down a ton of money on the Braves winning it all. But I wouldn’t put down money on anybody at this point. Even the Yankees.
Bay Area Steve
August 13th, 2010
2:22 am
MI is Michigan, right? I was thinkin’ Mississippi.
Mississippeeeeeeeee woulda been too easy.
How ’bout Freeeeeeeeeeezing Braves Fan?
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
2:22 am
can starting pitching of Hudson, JJ, Hanson etc., with a bulllpen that’s among the best in baseball, possibly miss the playoffs???? Tom
well yeah they could. caint win when you caint score no matter how great the pitching is. not saying that will happen, but it could
chilidog75
August 13th, 2010
2:24 am
Sweet. The Road to Williamsport continues tomorrow with two regional semifinals!
Has ESPN lost its ever loving mind? Who the f watches this? Who could possibly care about 12-year-old baseball games?
When I was growing up, they would show the US Championship game on Saturday …. and then the World Championship game on Sunday. And that was it.
Now they show all of this? Just crazy, man. What possible ratings can this stuff get?
And you get to see 12-year-olds sob uncontrollably when they lose. Good times.
Bay Area Steve
August 13th, 2010
2:25 am
Aaah, so it was the Philly guy you were trying to catch. OK. Thought it was two regulars (well, one regular).
Sorry hag. I’m a swearer. I is classy.
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
2:27 am
And you get to see 12-year-olds sob uncontrollably when they lose. Good times. chili
thats the funnest part Chili
shmoe
August 13th, 2010
2:28 am
i used to get mad at chipper for failing to come through a lot of times in the playoffs. but man this sucks. you get so used to seeing the greatness everyday for so long, and then its no more.
chilidog75
August 13th, 2010
2:28 am
Noleeee…. as far as i can tell that’s the only reason for anyone to tune in.
MIBravesFan
August 13th, 2010
2:29 am
End of January and beginning of February Bay Area Steve, that will be totally accurate! But I will have the thought “pitchers and catchers report” soon to brighten my day! No one loves Spring Training quite as much as those of us who live in the parts of the country that actually have winter!
Bay Area Steve
August 13th, 2010
2:29 am
I’m thinkin’ this blog probably shouldn’t mock 12-year-olds for sobbing uncontrollably.
Not sayin’ it’s you chili, obviously, but…
haggardeeee
August 13th, 2010
2:30 am
Bay Area Steve
“I didn’t think the censors would stand behind its’ use.”
Are you kidding? I wasn’t referring to the vernacular ; it was my feeble attempt at continuing the train of joke. BAS’ class is a given.
Nick 2.0
August 13th, 2010
2:31 am
N8 – All good points but that GREAT bench you speak of has become the starting lineup. Now that once great bench is filled with Diory Hernandez and Brandon Hicks type players. I think for the Braves to really make a push for the playoffs, Ankiel, Glaus, Hinske, and Gonzalez are gonna have to be all-stars for the final month and a half.
chilidog75
August 13th, 2010
2:31 am
Bay Area …. you think that offends Mitchell or something?
Sophee
August 13th, 2010
2:32 am
BAS, that’s where 0.2 kicks in. Philly troll equals…
N8
August 13th, 2010
2:33 am
MIBravesFan, agree with your 2:18 (and thank you).
You nailed it. Andruw gets lumped into a semi-failure category because of how great he could have (and maybe should have) been, based on his stellar play at a young age. He fell victim to the lofty expectations that were set for him, with that 96 WS performance.
Totally agree with you. He should not be penalized for what he failed to do in his last year or two with the Braves (and since then), though it was tough to watch. But should be praised for how great of an overall player he was for so long. And the dude was durable as all hell. Went to the post EVERY DAY for a decade for this team. Sidestepped his agent to remain in Atlanta the first shot at free agency and made EVERY pitcher to ever where the tomahawk across his chest during his tenure a little better (and certainly more confident to pitch to contact).
That being said, I think some of Andruw’s greatness in CF was BECAUSE of the great pitchers that rarely missed their “spots” with their pitches, the great advanced scouting and the defensive alignment of Pat Corrales while with the Braves.
Nixon, Sanders, Kelly, Grissom, Lofton and Andruw ALL played very good defense in CF for the Braves when the “big 3″ were locked into the rotation.
But make no mistake, Andruw was special in CF.
Very rarely do the “prodigal son” prospects ever have HOF careers after such lofty expectations are put upon them. One can only cross our fingers in hoping that Heyward has as good of a career for a decade or so as Andruw did while arriving at about the same age.
We all expect Heyward to be one of the best ever. Perhaps a more realistic goal would be for him would simply be to be the Braves “current” best player and leader over the next 10 years and let his numbers dicate his place in history at the end of his career? He seems like he has the mentality to “handle” said pressure. But so did Francoeur, Andruw and others.
Tom O'Hawke
August 13th, 2010
2:33 am
well yeah they could. caint win when you caint score no matter how great the pitching is. not saying that will happen, but it could
nolie, I consider you my mentor, my “main-man”, the answer-man. And these are the “words of wit” you give me? What the hell am I supposed to do with this?
Try figuring out how the hell they stop giving the team extra outs and then you’ll be back on that mountain top.
If not, as a back-up plan, why am I suddenly hitting the “b” key when I want to hit the “v” key?
Bay Area Steve
August 13th, 2010
2:33 am
I whined through four months in Denver, MI. I can’t even imagine what you folks go through up there. I loved hearing N8 describe mowing the lawn in shorts and a t-shirt in March when the temp got above freeezing. Dude was like, it’s all relative. I shivered reading the thing.
So, if you’re in Michigan, perhaps you’re the guy to task with waking McLouth the hell up. Go knock on his momma’s door… Something. Anything.
haggardeeee
August 13th, 2010
2:34 am
Okay, shirts are finished drying.
“When it’s sleepytime down south”
Good night good folks
Sophee
August 13th, 2010
2:35 am
Noleeee, wanna be in my club? It’s the Kelly ho sit down club.
Bay Area Steve
August 13th, 2010
2:36 am
My bad hag. I’d already forgotten the bit. I’m slow.
Thanks, Soph. One has to keep up with this stuff, but with 30 pages a day, there’s a whole lotta scrollin’ goin’ on.
Sophee
August 13th, 2010
2:37 am
Night, hag!
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
2:37 am
night hag
Tomahawkin
August 13th, 2010
2:37 am
Haggard…
I went to Florida Atlantic to play baseball…And Transferred to The University of Arkansas the following year…
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
2:39 am
Tom I adhere to the throw it on the wall and see if it sticks approach to wit. unfortunately it often fails to adhere where it lands. but sometimes….
Tom O'Hawke
August 13th, 2010
2:39 am
Hey, haggard!!!! Good night
Tomahawkin
August 13th, 2010
2:39 am
Soph…
What You Doing Up In Here This Late…?
Sophee
August 13th, 2010
2:40 am
Anytime, BAS. Hope to see you around more often.
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
2:40 am
sounds like a GREAT club Soph, I will petition to become a member
Sophee
August 13th, 2010
2:41 am
Hanging with the night crew, T’Hawkin. No work tomorrow.
N8
August 13th, 2010
2:42 am
“N8 – All good points but that GREAT bench you speak of has become the starting lineup.” Nick 2.0
Yes and no. A couple of simple trades (if guys are out there to be had without giving up too much), could shift a couple of those guys back to the bench.
Example:
If Hinske is starting vs. a RHP, Diaz is still on the bench, and the reverse is true.
If Infante is starting at 3B (or 2B if Bobby chooses to put Prado at 3B and let Conrad/Infante play 2B), that leaves Conrad on the bench. Of course the reverse of that is also true.
Melky and Ankiel each make good (maybe even great) 4th OF guys on the bench, depending on which is playing. Let’s not totally exclude McLouth either. When rosters expand, his legs could play a big role as a pinch runner and he could provide some pop off the bench as a PH. Add to that, if Bobby would choose to PH somebody like Hinske for Diaz at some point, McLouth could play defense off the bench.
Ross is probably the best backup catcher in the league and could start for many teams.
The real question mark is actually Glaus. If Freeman is called up at some point, (especially if it’s after September), Glaus could be replaced late in games for defense, and if Freeman were to start against RHP, Glaus could provide a decent RH hitter off the bench.
But I agree with you. Somebody needs to step up, or be traded for in order for that bench to be GREAT in the post-season. But even with Chipper out and some of those bench guys starting, very rarely are ALL of the guys that make up our stellar bench going to be starting at the same time.
If a couple of them are forced into the starting lineup, it still leaves some very good bats of the bench. Most of the time it comes down to one or two AB’s by PH in a playoff game. I still like our matchups late in games, even with Infante/Conrad in the lineup as a starter. Conrad being a switch hitter helps, imo.
Tomahawkin
August 13th, 2010
2:43 am
ChiliDog
I like the L-League Games, they play with more passion than 85 percent of the Major leaguers…Not to mention that is real reality tv
Sophee
August 13th, 2010
2:43 am
Noleee, you and RHR are gonna be my VP’s.
MIBravesFan
August 13th, 2010
2:44 am
Actually I’m female Bay Area Steve, and I don’t know where Nate’s mom lives, but that wouldn’t help anyway. At least he accepted going down to AAA with good grace understanding he had some things he had to work on and he’s willing to work at actually trying to get back to the form he showed when he was good in the majors.
Unlike a certain ex-Brave RF, who never actually attained that level of success in the majors and still thought he was above being sent down.
Bay Area Steve
August 13th, 2010
2:45 am
Chili, exactly. Pot, kettle, and all that. And, thanks a lot, by the way. Now, every time I read the in game stuff, all I’ll be able to see is 12-year-olds sobbing as they post “(Insert whoever failed most recently here) sucks.”
And, saw you mention the Jenga tower, and the cardboard cutout. Man, those lines had me laughing when Deshaies (sp?) said ‘em. I thought he was great the whole series. The play-by-play guy was OK, but Deshaies killed it.
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
2:46 am
oh well, ANYTHING that would bring me closer to RHR is great with me, I’ve never met her or seen her pixture but I lust after her sense of humor anyway. not meaning to slight you or RG
Tomahawkin
August 13th, 2010
2:46 am
Soph
“Hanging with the night crew, T’Hawkin. No work tomorrow.”
Why You rubbing it in!
Anyway just got done listening to some Phil Collins…About to eat my dinner…Time to cool-out to some Old Keith Sweat…
So I’d assume you will be blogging on Both the Braves and Falcons Blogs, No…?
Tomahawkin
August 13th, 2010
2:47 am
Soph…?
The Kelly Ho Sit Down Club…?
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
2:47 am
Why You rubbing it in! T’Hawk
cause she can
Sophee
August 13th, 2010
2:49 am
Nope T’hawkin. Love the falcons but not their blog. Only dob for me.
Tom O'Hawke
August 13th, 2010
2:50 am
Did Sophee move to the west coast or what? It’s not that I don’t enjoy her company, but at this time of night?
chilidog75
August 13th, 2010
2:50 am
Bay Area … Yeah. That Jenga Tower line was one of the funniest things I’ve ever heard an announcer say …. especially because it seemed so spontaneous.
Makes me laugh just thinking about it. Cause that’s exactly what Glaus looks like when he ‘dives’ after a groundball.
Bay Area Steve
August 13th, 2010
2:51 am
Tomahawkin:
Sell me on Trouble T-Roy.
I hear ya Michigan. I just want the guy to figure it out. He’s here next year, and we need him at his best. Not to mention, I think we’ll still need the All-Star version of McLouth everyday in September this year. I’m thinkin’ I’ve seen more Rick Ankiel than I ever wanted to.
I can’t believe how much Melky’s grown on me. I mean the guy is not good. Certainly not a contender’s starting OFer, and certainly not worth $3+ million bucks, but the guy’s grown on me.
Sophee
August 13th, 2010
2:51 am
Yeah T’hawkin. Buncha bloggers were talkin bout bringing Kelly back to play 2b. Hell to the no, imo.
Sophee
August 13th, 2010
2:52 am
Didn’t you hear, Tom? I live with cab and VJ now.
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
2:53 am
well the camaraderie has helped soften the ache that Chipper’s injury caused and I appreciate it folks. Humor is the best emotional medicine and good fellowship lessens the effect of most any blow
Tomahawkin
August 13th, 2010
2:54 am
Soph…
Pardon Me Sugga Bopp Honey-Bunn, I don’t mean to intercept! But I like the idea of KJ coming back…I was mad when we got rid of hhim…
Bay Area Steve
August 13th, 2010
2:54 am
nolie,
you goin’ after my girl again, huh. You’re too old for that, man. Just watch ball, and leave the lusting for the rest of us.
And, I don’t know about this new job. Yeah, yeah, I know: career advancement, opportunity, responsiblity, higher pay, yada, yada, yada. All I know is, I think she’s posting less. New job sucks.
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
2:54 am
but the guy’s grown on me BAS
I had a fungus like that recently, but I finally got it eradicated
N8
August 13th, 2010
2:55 am
I guess I forgot to make my initial point in the last post.
If Wren makes a trade for a guy in the OF that is a better option to start in CF over Melky/Ankiel or even in LF over Diaz/Hinske, that move alone would re-strengthen the bench with Conrad/Infante replacing Chipper.
Perhaps an obvious move (though I’m not sure I really believe it makes the team positively better) would be Bautista from Toronto.
Dude has started 32 games at 3B this year for Toronto and 82 games in RF. One can only assume he could play LF if necessary. He has started 50 games in LF in his career.
But for as good (a matter of opinion) as his power numbers and run production was in the first half…
88 games, 24 HR, 56 RBI, .237/.361/.543/.903
He’sbeen better in the 2nd half…
24 games, 11 HR, 31 RIB, .323/.402/.763/1.165
He’s owed about 600K the rest of the way. So money is not an issue. What the Braves would have to give up WOULD BE. Not sure if he’s cleared waivers or if he would. Certainly that money wouldn’t make teams afraid of claiming him. Which means if a trade couldn’t be made with that team, the Jays would simply pull him back. Add to that, the AL teams would have first dibs at him. Sure the Phillies would block him if given the opportunity. Just my guess.
But a guy like that would make the Braves power instantly better and re-solidify the bench.
Just not sure there is any real possibility of it happening. It would really be too good to be true at this point. Even though he’s not a great hitter…. he’d be an upgrade.
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
2:57 am
yeah unfortunately she has been posting less for quite a while actually. Do you think maybe she found a boyfriend that aint you or me? t’would break my heart if so
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
2:58 am
if Soph was just a bit older….
Sophee
August 13th, 2010
2:59 am
Well you can’t be in my club T’hawkin.
Sophee
August 13th, 2010
3:01 am
Sorry noles, I refuse to be your rebound girl. I don’t think I could handle knowing I was #2.
Bay Area Steve
August 13th, 2010
3:02 am
Nice line, noles. Nice line. But, I’m sayin’…
Somebody posted OPS since June 1, or thereabouts, and it was well above .800 if I recall. I’m scared to look at the defensive numbers; I’m sure they ain’t good. But I thought Ankiel would be a bigger improvement, and I’m not seein’ it. I’m a little behind in my Posnanski reading, but I’m interested to read his thing with Dewan. Loved seeing Heyward at the top; validates what I’ve thought watching the games (albeit in half a year). I imagine Melky is not at the top.
Tom O'Hawke
August 13th, 2010
3:03 am
Didn’t you hear, Tom? I live with cab and VJ now.
Sophee, with VJ working all the time, and now that Nala needs to be walked several times a day….knowing cab the way I do…yeah, it makes perfect sense. (yeah, cab’s gonna hurt me for this one)
well the camaraderie has helped soften the ache that Chipper’s injury caused and I appreciate it folks. Humor is the best emotional medicine and good fellowship lessens the effect of most any blow
Well said, nolie!
To everyone still awake, …Good Night!
Sophee
August 13th, 2010
3:06 am
Night Tom. cab’s gonna get you tomorrow.
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
3:07 am
well if you were the right age you wouldn’t necessarily be # 2, gal. unfortunately….either I was born too soon or you was born too late. the way of the world…
Sophee
August 13th, 2010
3:07 am
Night all. Night crew is so much more chill. I like it.
Tomahawkin
August 13th, 2010
3:07 am
Soph…
Ouch!
Dammit…I just ate Shrimp and Corn, and I’m still hungry…! Time for some Cheesesticks!
Nick 2.0
August 13th, 2010
3:10 am
N8 – I was thinking the same thing about Bautista. He would be the perfect fit. Hits for power and can play 3B. No chance we get him this year though. Even if he was put on waivers, 28 teams would have a chance on him before we would.
N8
August 13th, 2010
3:11 am
What about Aramis Ramirez? Hear (read) me out on this one.
Since July 1st:
33 games (31 starts), 10 HR, 31 RBI, .308/.353/.617/.970
With what’s left on his contract this year (about 4 million), 14.6 million in 2011 and a 2 million dollar buyout for 2012, he’s owed about 20 million. Within reason of what Chipper would have made the rest of this year and next year (and not including what – if any – would be covered by insurance on Chipper).
If the Braves could give up one good prospect and get the Cubs to eat about half of that money, would you do it? Not sure if I would. But I’m scrambling trying to find options. As I’m sure Wren is.
If the Braves are serious about winning it all this year, it might be a risk Wren has to take. If Wren is OK going to battle with what he’s got and NOT sacrificing any future (or adding dead weight payroll), then Ramirez is NOT his/our guy.
Just throwing it out there.
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
3:12 am
Melky is what he is BAS , the 4th OFer I and others said he would be, not the numbers he put up last year at the new Yankee stadium, not the guy some claimed would get better and better cause he is still young yet. he’s a versatile guy who can play all three adequately if not wekk, but he’s really not good enough defensively to play CF all the time and he doesn’t hit well enough to play a corner one regularly. Got nothing much against him as a sub except his lack of almost any power at all.
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
3:15 am
Ramirez is likely too expensive both salary and what the Cubs would ask IMO N8. He’s been a pretty good player though maybe not as good as some expected at one time
N8
August 13th, 2010
3:17 am
I agree on Melky nolie. If Wren could find another adequae CF (I think Ankiel is OK out there defensively, but isn’t going to bring much offensively other than a little hack-n-jack pop), or a BIG bat for LF, then Melky is a nice tool to have off the bench in pinch defensively and probably give you a decent AB as a pinch hitter. But as an everyday regular? No thanks.
I was one that thought he might make strides under Bobby. But I was wrong. But I was also never under the assumption that Melky was the centerpiece of the Vazquez deal. I’m counting on Vizcaino amounting to something someday for us, and expect Dunn to be a big part of the pen next year as the LH setup guy in the pen if Wren goes with Venters as the closer.
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
3:20 am
Dunn has the tools if he can just develop the skills. we’ll hafta wait and see on that . Gotta cut him some slack since he really hasn’t been a pitcher all his career.
Nick 2.0
August 13th, 2010
3:20 am
I like Aramis Ramirez but he has been very injury prone as of late. I guess were use to that with our old 3B. Although, Chipper has played more games than Aramis has the last two seasons. At least, I’m almost certain he has.
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
3:21 am
looking further Ramirez splits have become very Wrigley heavy over the years.
Nick 2.0
August 13th, 2010
3:25 am
Inge and Encarnacion both have OPS better than Ramirez this year but I don’t particularly care for either of those guys either,
Nick 2.0
August 13th, 2010
3:28 am
I think Ty Wigginton would be the best bet. Wouldn’t cost much, he’s a FA after the season, provides some pop, and plays a respectable 3B.
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
3:30 am
Ramirez is having about his worst year so far
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
3:33 am
Wigs is a poor third baseman, an adequate LFer.
N8
August 13th, 2010
3:34 am
nolie, I agree on Ramirez.
It really comes down to how much Wren wants to gamble some future (both in prospects and money) to give Bobby one last run.
Again, like Bautista, I’m not sure that Ramirez instantly makes the Braves lineup deadly or anything. Though I think he’d fit in nicely at cleanup at least for the rest of this year.
But I was looking for guys that would be an upgrade to the everyday lineup and allow Bobby the same luxury he’s had in having Conrad/Infante BOTH on the bench assuming Prado comes back healthy.
I actually would stand pat over getting a guy like Ramirez unless the Cubs ate a LOT of that salary. I believe what I typed earlier about the bench still being strong with one of Conrad/Infante starting and the other on the bench.
I would actually start Infante and leave Conrad on the bench if it came down to that. Infante hits RHP very well, and is respectable (average) against LHP. Along with being better as a starter than off the bench. While Conrad is essentially the same hitter as a starter or off the bench, and while he has been very good (small sample) as a starter against RHP, he hasn’t been as good as Infante.
I do think Conrad’s defense is better at 3B. So that adds a wrinkle to the riddle.
But if Infanted becomes the starter, and assuming that Hinske gets most of the AB in LF, that leaves Conrad, Diaz, Melky/Ankiel and Ross on the bench. Not too shabby if you ask me.
What would you do? Knowing the waiver wire is likely to find a better starter without giving up a ton (for a guy like Ramirez), would you stand pat? Or go for it all? I think it’s a loaded question, because I’m not sure anybody we trade for (realistically) is going to be that much better than what Infante has provided.
In 58 starts, Infante has gone .333/.364/.416/.780
He’s only provided a little power (3 HR) as a starter. But that BA and OBP is pretty damn good. Perhaps he’s the “new” leadoff hitter, and if Prado is healthy (and Bobby likes Heyward in the 2-hole), Prado becomes the new 3-hole hitter, leaving Mac at cleanup and providing nice balance to the top 4 in the order?
Infante doesn’t walk much. But batting 1st in the order, he’s gone:
.296/.329/.383/.712
Leading off the game (18 times), he’s gone .389/.389/.500/.889
Surely a smal sample size. But Prado has the highest SLG percentage on the team at .484 (Mac is at .483). And Prado’s .841 OPS is 2nd only to Mac and better than Chipper’s .806 was. He’s 3rd behind Glaus and Mac in HR, and has more doubles than anybody on the team. Obviously still at or near the top of the leaderboard in hits in the NL.
Infante at leadoff and Prado in the 3-hole might be a better option than ANY guy Wren could trade for and he wouldn’t have to give up anybody or take on anymore payroll.
Again, just throwing ideas on the wall and seeing if anything sticks. LOL
N8
August 13th, 2010
3:36 am
“looking further Ramirez splits have become very Wrigley heavy over the years…..Ramirez is having about his worst year so far.” nolie
I noticed that too about his Wrigley splits. Pretty alarming.
As far as his worst year so far? So was Chipper, but Chipper was hot since June 15th and Ramirez’s numbers were very similar since July 1st.
So, hard to say which is the “real” Ramirez at this point?
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
3:42 am
most of that OPS for Prado is batting average which is way higher than Chip and Mac. it. I like him second. Infante ,? well I just think he will come down a bit if playing regularly, but maybe not. At this point I think of him as a 285/330 hitter on a regular basis, but no proof of that and i admit he has hit well lately. What I really think it comes down to is Wren has almost no money to spend IMO and anyone they pick up will not be an impact player at all. The KC trade made us a tiny bit better but mostly because we gave up next to nothing. I hope I’m wrong, but I do not foresee any real changes. Might bring Freeman up and he MIGHT be a help in Sept. rest of the farm is pretty bare from a position player standpoint.
Nick 2.0
August 13th, 2010
3:42 am
Wren doesn’t necessarily need to get a 3B if he does pick somebody up off waivers. Hinske could be used to backup 1st and 3rd and he could pick up a LF. A lot of more LF options out there. I wouldn’t hit Prado 3rd though, but I definitely see where you’re coming from. I would still like to see Infante, Prado, Heyward, McCann 1-4.
Nick 2.0
August 13th, 2010
3:42 am
Wren doesn’t necessarily need to get a 3B if he does pick somebody up off waivers. Hinske could be used to backup 1st and 3rd and he could pick up a LF. A lot of more LF options out there. I wouldn’t hit Prado 3rd though, but I definitely see where you’re coming from. I would still like to see Infante, Prado, Heyward, McCann 1-4.
Nick 2.0
August 13th, 2010
3:43 am
Not sure why the double post, sorry.
Nick 2.0
August 13th, 2010
3:44 am
Just saw KK’s line in Gwinnett tonight, not good…
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
3:44 am
just cause you caint write ‘em as long as N8’s don’t mean you gotta post ‘em twice just to get some length Nick
Nick 2.0
August 13th, 2010
3:47 am
Wes Timmons is an intriguing ballplayer. I wonder how much thought the Braves are giving him. Has he had a shot in the bigs for anybody noleeee?
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
3:51 am
I’m pretty sure Wes has been up twice with the Braves but never gotten a plate appearance Nick. He’s been with Atlanta his entire career I’m pretty sure so he wouldn’t have been up with any other team.
Nick 2.0
August 13th, 2010
3:55 am
Interesting. I was kind of shocked to see his stats. Great avg., walk to K ratio, obp, and ops. There must be a reason he is 31 and still in the minors though.
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
4:02 am
no pop at all Nick. often has only 20 some extra base hits total . and has never shown any indication of developing any. he’s been mostly a third baseman and you want way more pop than he provides out of your third sacker. plus Chipper hasn’t given him any real shot.
Nick 2.0
August 13th, 2010
4:05 am
Gotcha. Yeah it seems your right. Oh well, I’m sure they will figure something out. I’m heading to bed, nice chatting with you. Goodnight.
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
4:08 am
nite. me too.
Coach (2011 or Bust)
August 13th, 2010
5:03 am
Losing Chipper for the season is devastating to say the least. So I’ll just hope that whatever decision he makes regarding his future is the one best for him and his family. As a fan, I won’t begrudge the man if he walks away. Chipper has done enough to forge his way into Cooperstown. But man would it be great to see him rehab and return for one more season.
That said, how do the Braves replace his bat? the short answer is….they can’t and they won’t.
So, how to proceed. Simple, back to baseball 101. Pitching and defense wins games. Defense is offense by reducing the number of outs afforded to the opposing team, there bye preventing more offense. We have the pitching, period. Adding defense is the answer to the rest of the equation.
So who? my best answer is Pedro Feliz. He’s having an awful season in Houston with the bat but his defense is still way above average. Atlanta would be shelling out about 1.5 million for the rest of his paycheck this year, and Feliz would more than likely make it through waivers which is key. Frank Wren can afford to throw a couple of low prospects at the Astros, and maybe get them to pick up the tab too.
Otherwise we get to see the likes of Diory Hernandez or Brandon Hicks back on the roster.
noleeeee
August 13th, 2010
6:02 am
defense where on Feliz? he’s minus 7 runs saved in Houston at third already this year.He’s no more than a backup , hasn’t played second in ages. I’ll pass on giving away anybody for him considering the awful year he is having. Diory has little pop but is a better player than his small MLB sample size indicates.
Brian from SC
August 13th, 2010
6:42 am
Pedro Feliz is probably the worst player in the NL this year. Defense? He’s been an abomination in the field this year, way worse than Chipper. And he’s been probably the worst hitter in the league, too. Somehow I’m not sure replacing Infante in the lineup with the worst player in the NL is going to help.
Danga
August 13th, 2010
7:00 am
Glad nolie and Brian took care of that Feliz nonsense before I could get to it. Ramirez appears to be showing the signs of age and all those injuries. I keep waiting for Bautista to come back down to earth, but he just keeps going to deeper into orbit. Of all the names I’ve heard mentioned, he seems to be the one that would make the biggest impact. I wouldn’t have a lot of faith in his ability to repeat it next season, but this one appears to be charmed for the guy.
Danga
August 13th, 2010
7:02 am
Feliz would however fit in perfectly with Wren’s recent proclivity to add aging players with decent career counting stats and 0 on base skills.
jeffrey d
August 13th, 2010
7:19 am
And his name means happy, and you know how this blog feels about happy players
jeffrey d
August 13th, 2010
7:20 am
Peter Happy
ncscoots
August 13th, 2010
7:38 am
I don’t know if I can get excited over picking up any player, at this point. The Braves have gotten where they are offensively with some good fortune and uber-years from bench players, and it looks as if they’ll have to ride that horse. I can’t see how some waiver pickup or Diory Hernandez changes that much.
As long as some of these role guys don’t go Cinderella-it’s-midnight at 450 PAs, maybe they’ll be OK. And gotta hope the pitchers don’t start stressing over playing 3-2 every night. And don’t get any late-inning bad hops, LOL. And like that.
NEWCARS
August 13th, 2010
8:29 am
DOB,
I haven’t read the rest of the blog, but any sense of who they are looking at adding to the roster until Prado comes back…Cox made some reference to Freeman coming up for a couple of days..That would make a little sense to have him eligible for postseason play. Does he have to be on the 25-man roster or the 40-man before September 1 to be eligible. I think that Glaus’ ability to stay healthy for 3 more months is a little questionable and Freeman would make the most sense as a backup plan, now that Prado probably won’t be available to move to first
NEWCARS
August 13th, 2010
8:31 am
DOB or any other informed person,
Any word on whether the Braves were close to signing Sabol or Colvard (I believe that’s right)..I know they were highly thought of prospects that would require high pick money.. It would be nice for us to take a flyer to beef up the organization
richbrave
August 13th, 2010
8:42 am
DOWN ON THE FARM:
GWINNETT:
I go away five days ago and FREEMAN’s batting .298. I come back five days later, and FREEMAN has a donut night, but is at .303 BA plus he’s now hitting out of the power hole. Last night 0-3, BB.
2B/LF MATT YOUNG (.292 BA) 1-5.
3B/2B WES TIMMONS (.292 BA) 2-4, BB.
CF NATE McLOUTH (.247 BA) 0-3, BB.
DH BARBARO CANIZARES (.326 BA) 2-4.
RF BRETT CLEVLAN (.257 BA) 2-3.
KENSHIN KAWAKAMI continues down the same path he followed in the ML’s. He goes 3.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 SO and takes the loss. JEEZE-US, can’t some BRAVES club score at least ONE run for the guy? GEARRIN, BROADWAY, and KIMBRELL pitch five innings of two hit, shutout ball, but KK still gets the loss. The offense can’t plate two with him starting. UN-frickin’-believable!!!! BRAVES lose 0-2.
MISSISSIPPI:
12 hits behind JULIO TEHERAN as the PEARLS dismantle the BAY BEARS 12-2.
CF ANTOAN RICHARDSON (.290 BA) 1-3, BB, 2 RBI (16), 2 R.
SS DAN PASTORNICKY (.247 BA) 2-5, 3 RBI (11), 2 R.
RF WILLIE CABRERA (.309 BA) 2-5, 2 2B (37), 2 RBI (56), 1 R.
2B ERIC DUNCAN (.279 BA) 3-4, BB, 1 3B (4), 2 RBI (53), 2 R.
1B MAURO GOMEZ (.272 BA) 0-4, 1 RBI (64).
LF JORDAN SCHAFER (.200 BA) 0-2, 3 BB, 2 R.
C JESUS SUCRE (.297 BA) 1-5, 1 R.
3B LUIS BOLIVAR (.277 BA) 2-4, 1 R.
DH MIKE DANIEL (.265 BA) 1-3, BB, 1 RBI (15), 2 R.
JULIO TEHERAN (2.70 ERA) 7.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R/ER, 0 BB, 6 SO.
JAYE CHAPMAN (5.74 ERA) 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER, 0 BB, 3 SO.
A combined five-hitter, no BB’s, and 9 SO’s. NICE!!!!
MYRTLE BEACH:
BIRDS have the KEYS 8-4 making a winner out of ZEKE SPRUILL (3-2, 4.65 ERA) 6.0 IP, 8 H, 3 R/ER, 0 BB, 5 SO. TOM PALICA’s (H 1, 3.38 ERA) bag leaks hits and an earned run in relief, but it doesn’t give completely away, and he earns his first hold. CHAD RODGERS (3.98 ERA) has two shutdown close-out innings
Three doubles, and three HR’s provide most of the offense. All the yard-shots are solo jobs. Evidently the KEYS decided to by pass lead-off man SS MYCAL JONES (.282 BA) last night as he is 0-1 with four walks. Never a good idea to put the lead-off batter on base.
2B JORDAN KREKE (.256 BA) 1-4, 1 HR (2), 2 RBI (11), 1 R.
1B MIKE JONES (.277) 2-4, BB, 1 HR (5), 1 RBI (41), 2 R.
C MATT KENNELLY (.214 BA) 1-3, BB, 1 HR (3), 1 RBI (18), 1 R.
RF LUIS SUMOZA (.222 BA) 1-5, 2B (7), 1 RBI (18).
CF LEE WARE (.265 BA) 2-4, 2B (7), 1 RBI (18), 1 R.
LF GERARDO RODRIGUEZ (.245 BA) 2-4, 2B (12), 1 R.
DH CODY JOHNSON (.333 BA) has been sent to MYRTLE for a vacation, but he decides to go to work instead, and gets a hit in four, draws a walk, and scores a run in his new digs in A+ ball. Oh, and he strikes out once.
In his first game in MYRTLE day before yesterday, CODY had two walks and a SO, a double in two AB’s.